There are many ways to go about finding beauty products you’ll actually use more than once. Sometimes it’s a matter of trial and error, tirelessly spending (and potentially wasting) money to figure out what does and doesn’t work. For some people, it needs a high-profile co-sign from a beauty expert or celeb on the ’Gram.
There’s also the rare occasion that you stumble across an unbelievable dupe or testimonial buried inside a random Reddit thread (our personal favorite). But more often than not, we discover our tried-and-true gems by way of recommendations from our girlfriends. They’re the ones who can give us a full breakdown of the pros and cons, in addition to telling us if they truly think it will for us, too. In short: These are the trusted reviews you get straight with no chaser and for that, we are thankful.
MORE: 20 Under-$20 Beauty Oils for Your Most Hydrated, Healthy-Looking Skin
For those who have never experienced the former, we did the legwork for you and got a host of product recommendations from women who have varying skin tones, types and concerns. It’s guaranteed you’ll see at least one thing worth trying.

"This concealer blends so well and still gives me great coverage." -Desiree, 18
$5.49 at Target

"I’ve been trying for years to find an all-natural deodorant that actually works and doesn’t smell like the woods. This coconut oil-infused, non-toxic and aluminum-free deodorant that smells heavenly and keeps my BO at bay." -Andrea, 28
$11.90 at Kopari

"My skin isn’t too hard to manage, so these products do the job and make my skin feel silky smooth." -Desire, 29
$25 at Glossier

"I’ve tried a lot of mascaras and nothing works like this one. I consistently get asked what fake lashes I’m wearing when I’m only wearing the mascara. Love it!" -Katie, 22
$7.99 at Ulta

"I love this moisturizer because it doesn't leave a greasy or white finish like some other SPF products I've tried." -Jasmine, 28
$28 at Mario Badescu

"I love the Chubby Lash mascara because I have great coverage with one swipe without it being clumpy. It's also very light on the eyes. I never feel like I have mascara on." -Jasmine, 28
$19 at Sephora

"It is the perfect astringent to use after cleansing day or night and it smells great!" -Denia, 33
$9.20 at Amazon

"The prep and prime is a great spray to apply just before applying your makeup and it keeps my face moisturized." -Andrea, 32
$26 at MAC

"You know how your grandma would be like, 'I have to put my face on' before she'd leave the house? This and Urban Decay Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup are my face; can't leave home without them." -Rose, 28
$5.99 at Ulta

"I love Farmacy balm because it takes off all my makeup but leaves my feeling super hydrated and clean." -Danny, 28
$22-$34 at Farmacy

"Urban skin Rx serum helped get rid of my stubborn acne. My skin has been totally clear since I started using it." -Danny, 28
$38 at Urban Skin Rx

"After using Glossier’s Solution, I saw a noticeable difference in the texture of my skin. It’s much smoother and my breakouts have decreased drastically." -Eboni, 27
$24 at Glossier

"COSRX Triple C Lightning Liquid is the only vitamin C serum that I’ve used that has noticeably evened out my skin tone and pretty much rid my face of hyperpigmentation and acne scars." -Eboni, 27
$27 at Soko Glam

"The L'Oreal BB cream is the only one I've used that actually evens out skin tone and covers blemishes while also moisturizing." -Sasha, 30
$7.99 at Target

"The Lubriderm moisturizer because I have fair skin and keeps me confident I'm getting good daily sun coverage while protecting my skin. It also smells yummy!" -Sasha, 30
$7.04 at Amazon

"Boy Brow tints the hairs but also somehow fills in the space around the hairs. No sharp edges, so it gives you a super natural, fluffy look." -Sam, 21
$16 at Glossier

"Neutrogena hydrates but doesn’t leave skin feeling slimy. Goes on super cool (temperature-wise) and is so refreshing. I prefer its gel texture over any lotion-y moisturizer out there!"
$19.99 at Ulta

"It’s the only soap sensitive enough for my private parts, but still has a great aroma. It’s also all natural, made up of essential oils."
$15.99 at Amazon

"Huge fan of aromatherapy and this product is amazing. The smell, texture and aromatic properties really gets the job done after a long day." -Valencia, 29
$13.50 at Bath & Body Works

"Truth Serum is hydrating and makes me look amazing after using it. Definitely a go-to." -Valencia, 29
$48 at Ole Henriksen

"It took me a long time to love my skin and not wear a full face in 90 degree weather. Finding the right combination of skincare products took a while but now I can’t live without SK II Facial Treatment Essence and Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream."-Laura, 27
$60 at Drunk Elephant

"Glossier Balm Dotcom goes with me everywhere I go. I love using it on my hands and under eye or eyelids." -Laura, 27
$12 at Glossier

"Because not only is it extremely moisturizing, but it’s a classic cream that’s been around forever." -Nicole, 29
$4.99 at Target

"It has completely changed my skin, complexion and is so incredibly moisturizing and gives me an amazing glow." -Maria, 28
$90 at Marie Veronique

"Comes in a variety of scents and is multipurpose." -Nia, 28
$15.99 at Amazon

"Vaseline cocoa butter hydrates and doesn’t leave my skin super oily." -Nia, 28
$8.49 at Target

"Absolutely healing for acne-prone skin with natural ingredients and doesn’t strip your skin of its natural moisture or make it super oily." -Lauren, 25
$32-$50 at Para Botanica

"Both have essentials oils in it, but somehow balances your skin's pH level." -Lauren, 25
$20 at SunKiss Organics

"The Botanics Facial Oil is super nourishing and really keeps my face feeling moisturized for hours." -Nikki, 26
$17.99 at Ulta

"I love products with vitamin C. I use the pads daily to help brighten and purify my skin so that I can continue to glow." -Nikki, 26
$56 at Nordstrom

"The only masque I’ll ever use period." -Angelica, 29
$70 at Paul Labrecque

"A cleanser that doesn’t strip my skin and make it dry." -Angelica, 29
$33 at Paul Labrecque

"Looks very natural and light on my face. I forget I’m wearing make up." -Phoebe, 22
$22 at bareMinerals

"Revlon eyeliner has a great brush tip, making it easier to draw on." -Phoebe, 22
$6.89 at Amazon

"I combine [with Saturday Skin Waterfall Glacier Water Cream] for light overall face coverage..." -Raven, 30
$36 at Make Up For Ever

"...a little warmth, a little glow, a little dewy, evens out my skin just enough but still let’s it look like skin." -Raven, 30
$39 at Sephora

"It is a perfect match for my warm undertones and goes on perfectly even with a brush!!" -Nadia, 29
$29 at bareMinerals

"It's $$$, but my skin has never felt/looked better and it allows me to be lazy and wear less makeup, so it's worth it." -Hannah, 31
$125 at Lily de Mai

"Better Than Sex does a perfect job at elongating my curly lashes without excess clumping." -Stephanie, 25
$24 at Too Faced

"The tea tree face wash gives my face that gentle, natural, refreshing burst it needs in the morning." -Stephanie, 25
$3.60 at The Body Shop

"The cooling uplifting miracle worker is the only face moisturizer that I feel actually does what it says while still feeling light on my skin." -Julianne, 24
$65 at philosphy

"The lotion is soft and silky is the only thing that keeps my sensitive skin fresh when the weather gets crazy." -Lindsay, 28
$17.99 at Target

"The highlighter wand and 5-in-1 have so many uses and you can just use those two products to look a little more awake and alive. You can also use them without any other face products like concealer and look great! Fast and simple." -Lindsay, 28
$19 at Nordstrom

"Easy to use, great for everyday wear and long-lasting." -Jing, 30
$38 at YSL

"Inexpensive and consistent throughout seasonal changes." -Hannah, 28
$26 at Milk Makeup

"It cleanses, moisturizes and makes my skin glow." -Melissa, 29
$99.95 at The Butter Bar

I'm obsessed with oils in general, but I always come back to this. And I feel completely comfortable using it on my face when I've forgotten something from my current routine. Oh, I'm addicted to the smell, too!" -Nikki, 29
$14.99 at Target

"I've been using this for years. As someone with very sparse brows, it does a great job of giving off a natural-looking fill-in without resembling a Sharpie." -Nikki, 29
$27 at Sephora

"I mix it with moisturizer or press it on my skin after I finish with my am/pm routine. Also obsessed with Dr. Brandt's Microdermabrasion. Gives you brand new skin!" -Danielle, xx
$9.80 at The Ordinary

"This eyeliner has a really great pigment with one application and it stays on throughout the day." -Shayna, 21
$30 at YSL

"I always get compliments on my skin when I use the Fenty Beauty foundation! The formula doesn't break me out like some high-end foundations tend to do and I love how it doesn't feel thick or cakey." -Christina, 20
$34 at Fenty Beauty

"I use the Summer Fridays' Jet Lag Mask as my daily moisturizer and occasionally as an under-eye mask while I do my eye makeup. I keep repurchasing it because it's completely free of harsh chemicals and brings life back to my face after using it!" -Christina, 20
$48 at Summer Fridays

"I have combination skin that sway in polar opposite directions depending on the weather (if it's cold, it'll get very dry; if it's hot, it'll get very oily). The Laneige Water Bank Essence is light enough for me to use in the summer but still keeps my skin hydrated, and it absorbs super fast for people rushing out the door in the morning." -Celina, 23
$36 at Laneige

"Moisture is everything for me. I have combination skin and do not like to wear much makeup since I tend to react to it (i.e. itchy dry eyes from mascara and breakouts from various concealer & cover up that is not made with natural ingredients). I am addicted to oil cleansing and using essential oil as a moisturizer (sometimes just go the cheap route and mix jojoba + lavender + vitamin e - it does the trick). I know spf is necessary, so I use a tinted moisturizer I found at Credo. Their products are an investment because they are all natural, but it's worth it to me to know I'm using ethically-made products with sustainable ingredients." -Sami, 27
$45 at Credo Beauty